CHATTOOGA RIVER (BURRELL’S FORD SITE #1)

The Chattooga River begins in the mountains of North Carolina as small rivulets, nourished by springs and abundant rainfall, high on the slopes of the Appalachian Mountains. The water drops a half mile in elevation over fifty miles as it winds its way to Lake Tugaloo where the river ends between South Carolina and Georgia. The Chattooga is one of the few remaining free-flowing streams in the Southeast, and the setting is primitive with dense forests and undeveloped shorelines on most of its route. On May 10, 1974, Congress designated the Chattooga a Wild and Scenic River – a honor reserved for rivers with outstanding scenery, recreation, wildlife, geologic, and cultural values.

This is a short hike that starts at Burrell’s Ford and follows the Chattooga River for ~1 mile to a campsite on the South Carolina side of the River. The trail is fairly flat along this section and the hike is relatively easy. Spoonauger Falls is located nearby and is a worthy side hike while you are in the area.